No date set for Pangnirtung mayoral byelection

There is no date yet for a mayoral byelection in Pangnirtung.

Former mayor Lynn Mike resigned earlier this month, the hamlet announced Dec. 3.

Under Nunavut law, when a municipality has a vacancy in the mayor’s office, council members may vote to appoint one of their own as mayor or call a byelection. Council in this case opted for a byelection.

Interim senior administrative officer Mary Ann Mike said in an interview that she “can’t confirm any dates right now” for when this might happen, and that information will be posted “sometime.”

When asked who the interim mayor is, she directed Nunatsiaq News to deputy Mayor Sheila Kilabuk.

The hamlet posted a series of short-term job notices Dec. 8 on Facebook seeking election staff, including a returning officer, two deputy returning officers, poll clerks and a registration clerk. The postings listed a Dec. 10 application deadline.

The returning officer role would oversee the mayoral byelection and ensure voting is conducted “smoothly, securely, and in accordance with local electoral laws.”

The deputy returning officer and clerk positions were listed as temporary, including election day duties.

Mary Ann Mike did not confirm whether a returning officer had been hired.

For now, the hamlet says residents will need to wait for further information. Further updates will be shared with the community as the process moves forward, the Dec. 3 announcement said.